Rescue training equipment

ABSTRACT

Rescue training equipment includes a mock up structure with at least one platform and a base structure adapted to be detachably attached to a basement on ground.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of rescue training equipments, in particular to a mobile rescue training equipment for a rescue training for wind turbines.

ART BACKGROUND

With the increasing number of wind turbines used for generating of electric power it is necessary to train service people in handling rescue situations in connection with emergencies in wind turbines. This training is normally done by hiring a wind turbine and shutting it down for a day or two and then simulating an emergency situation happening somewhere in the wind turbine. This is though often very difficult and expensive as an existing wind turbine has to be hired and shut down during the training.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, there may be a need to provide an alternative concept of training people for emergency situations.

This need may be met by a rescue training equipment according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described by the dependent claims.

According to an exemplary aspect a rescue training equipment is provided which comprises a mock up structure comprising at least one platform, and a base structure adapted to be detachably attached toe basement on ground.

In particular, the rescue training equipment may simulate a portion of a wind turbine or may be configured to simulate at least a portion of a wind turbine, i.e. may be suitable to allow rescue training particularly for emergency situations in a wind turbine. The rescue training equipment may form a mobile rescue training equipment which may be adapted to be attached and detached or mounted and demounted several times without damaging or break the same. Such it may be possible to easily move and transport the rescue training equipment or system to any arbitrarily position or location. In particular, the rescue training equipment may be adapted to be stowed in one or more containers after being detached so that it may be easily moveable from one location to another. At this location the rescue training equipment may be mounted on a basement on ground so that a rescue training may be performed. Thus, mobile rescue training equipment, for simulating rescue from a wind turbine, may be provided comprising a mock-up tower or structure with one or more means for getting access to one or more platforms of the tower or structure and one or more means for supporting the tower or structure on the ground. By such a mobile rescue training equipment it may be possible to train the service people in rescue training from a wind turbine at any time and anywhere it is needed. It is by the invention possible to dismount the training facilities and put it into one or more containers and move it to another place in perhaps another country in an easy way.

Furthermore, it should be stressed, that the rescue training equipment, beside simulation of rescue situation, may also be used to develop new rescue kit components and/or rescue components fixed or mounted to wind turbines, e.g. rail systems. Additionally new or advanced training concepts may be developed by utilizing the rescue training equipment. Moreover, the rescue training equipment or training setup may be used to demonstrate the function of the rescue training equipment under several circumstances, e.g. during sales talks.

According to this application the term “base structure” may particularly denote any element or component which is adapted to be fixed to a basement, e.g. a fastener, hook, eye, screw or even a base plate fixed to the mock up structure.

According to this application the term “platform” may cover a broad spectrum of meanings, i.e. may cover every component or module which is suitable to place items on it or to be entered by humans. Examples may include closed or hollow cabinets, like a hollow rotor blade or a nacelle of a wind turbine, or open platforms essentially formed only by a plate, like a pedestal or the like.

By using the rescue training equipment or system according to the exemplary aspect it may be possible to avoid the necessity to hire an existing wind turbine and shut down it down during the training. Thus, it may be possible to enable training in an easier and less expensive way.

In particular, a gist of an exemplary aspect may be seen in the fact that a mobile rescue training equipment is provided, which may be suitable for simulating rescue from a wind turbine. The rescue training equipment may comprise mock-up tower or structure with one or more means for getting access to one or more platforms of the tower and one or more means for supporting the tower or structure on the ground. In particular, it should be noted that all the above mentioned elements or components and also the following elements or components in each embodiment may be attached in a detachable way ensuring that the mock-up tower or structure could be demounted and put in one or more standard containers ready for transportation to another training site.

Next, further exemplary embodiments of the rescue training equipment are described.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises an element adapted for getting access to the at least one platform. Such an element may be for example a ladder, wire, rescue line, frame like structure or the like.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue training equipment the at least one platform comprises an access hole. In particular, the access hole may have a size or diameter which is adapted to be passed by a human, i.e. the access hole may be a manhole. Furthermore, the platform may comprise a guard rail. In particular, the access hole may be adapted in such a way that it suitable to simulate access to a generator, a hub or to one blade of a wind turbine.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue training equipment the mock ups structure comprises a vertical tower structure. In particular, the vertical tower structure may be adapted in such a way that the at least, one platform is detachable connectable to the vertical tower structure.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises at least one frame structure detachable fixable to the mock up structure. In particular, the frame structure may form a triangular frame which is vertically attachable to the mock up structure, e.g. to a vertical tower structure. Such a frame structure, e.g. a triangular frame, may make it possible to simulate rescues or saves in different angles.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises a ladder which is attachable to the mock up structure.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises safety wires which are attachable to the ladder.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue training equipment the at least one platform is adapted in such a way that it is suitable to simulate a nacelle of a wind turbine.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue training equipment the mock up structure comprises two ladders and a wire vertical system, wherein the ladders are arranged to provide access to the at least one platform and/or wherein the wire vertical system may be arranged to provide access to the at least one platform. In particular, the mock up structure may comprise a vertical frame structure wherein the at least one platform is detachable connectable to the vertical frame structure.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises at least one anchor point fixed to the mock up structure. In particular, the one or more anchor points may be adapted to be used to fix rescue lines to it or them.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises a base platform, wherein the mock ups structure is detachable connectable to the base platform. In particular, the base platform may form the base structure of the rescue training equipment.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises two ladders which are detachable connected to the base platform, wherein the two ladders are further detachable connected to the at least one platform.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue training equipment the base platform comprises a door plate. In particular, the door plate may be a vertical door plate which may optionally comprise a further hole, e.g. a manhole. The door plate may be suitable for simulating a rescue from the base platform or basement.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises safety wires which are detachable mounted along at least one of the two ladders.

According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training equipment further comprises at least one anchor point which is build on the mock up structure. In particular, the at least one anchor point or the plurality of anchor points may be adapted to be equipped with rescue lines which may form a component of the rescue training equipment as well.

Summarizing a first exemplary aspect may relate to a rescue training equipment comprising a mock-up tower having supporting elements or means which may comprise a ground platform and one or more triangular frames vertical connected to a vertical tower structure. Elements or components for getting access to one or more platforms of the tower may comprise one or more ladders connected to the tower structure and one or more access holes to get access to one or more platforms. One of the platforms may then be placed on top of the tower, simulating a nacelle of a wind turbine. This platform may be equipped with a guard rail and it may also be equipped with a plate with one or more manholes for simulating access to e.g. the generator, the hub or one or more blades. The top platform may also be equipped with a vertical frame simulating a crane structure. There may be one or more triangular frames connected to the tower structure and the top platform for supporting the top platform and which could be used in the rescue training. There may be safety wires along one or more of the ladders. The tower or structure may be equipped with one or more anchor points for rescue lines.

Summarizing a second exemplary aspect may relate to a rescue training equipment comprising a mock up tower or structure having supporting means which may comprise a ground platform connected to a vertical triangular frame including one or more ladders. There may be placed a platform above one or more of the ladders with access from one or more of the ladders, where this platform is connected to the vertical triangular frame. There may also be one or more safety wires along the ladders and the tower or structure may be equipped with one or more anchor points for rescue lines. The vertical triangular frame may make it possible to simulate saves in different angles.

Summarizing a third exemplary aspect may relate to a rescue training equipment comprising a mock up tower or structure wherein the supporting means may comprise a ground platform with one or more adjustable supporting legs. The ground platform may be connected to two or more vertical ladders and a second platform is placed between the ground platform and a top beam or frame. The second platform may be equipped with a guard rail and a kick plate and there is access to the second platform from one or more of the ladders. The ground platform may be equipped with a vertical door plate with an access hole or manhole for simulating rescue from a basement. There may be safety wires along one or more of the ladders. The tower or structure may be equipped with one or more anchor points for rescue lines.

The aspects and exemplary embodiments defined above and further aspects of the invention are apparent from the example of embodiment to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to these examples of embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows schematically a first exemplary height rescue safety training equipment.

FIG. 2 shows schematically a side view of a second exemplary height rescue safety training equipment.

FIG. 3 shows schematically a front view of the equipment of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustration in the drawings is schematic. It is noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements are provided with the similar or identical reference signs.

In the following some examples for exemplary height rescue safety trainings equipments will be described in more detail. Such equipments may be arranged in permanent training centers or may be detachably mounted on different sites which may then be called a training center as well. The trainings centers may have four different trainings facilities.

The purpose of such trainings facilities may be to enable “real life” training for height rescue, so that the practipitants is covered with all the rescue possibilities in wind power turbines. The training facilities should be close to real life locations, so that the participants can combine the training, with all the zones in wind power turbines using the specific rescue kits for example. That is, a mobile rescue training equipment may be mounted close to a “real” wind power turbine.

Some goals of such rescue kits may be:

-   -   Enabling of development or evolution of the training center by         adapting the mobile training equipments, so that the education         in height rescue training always is as real as possible.     -   Each training center may include several different training         zones simulating different portions of a wind turbine     -   Each training center may deliver height rescue safety training         on a basic rescue level, e.g. zone 1, and an advanced rescue         level, e.g. zone 2-6, by using a dedicated rescue kit.     -   Each training center may have the following training facilities,         to cover all the training in all zones 1-6 in wind power         turbines.

In detail the six zones may correspond to the nacelle (zone 1), in particular to the zone under a gearbox of the nacelle, to the yaw (zone 2), to the hub (zone 3), to the bottom of the access tower (zone 4), to a cellar of the access tower (zone 5), and to the hollow part inside a rotor blade (zone 6).

In particular, rescue education may be performed in or on a simulated nacelle moveably placed on ground. Some specific rescue events, which may be classified as basic rescue operations, to be trained may be evacuation of one or two persons using the hatch of the nacelle. Some more advanced rescue events may include rescue training from the yaw, from the hub, rescue from under the gearbox, moving casualties in the nacelle, rescue casualties hanging outside of the nacelle in their personal protection equipment (PPE), rescue and evacuation through evacuation hatch on spine board, and rescue and evacuation through evacuation hatch in marine stretcher. A nacelle placed on the ground may be a suitable way to simulate or train real corresponding rescue situations.

Now a first exemplary height rescue safety training equipment will be described in more detail with respect to FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 1 shows two side views and one perspective view of a rescue safety training equipment 100. The mock-up structure comprises a ground or base plate 101, on which a vertical tower structure 102, e.g. a frame structure, may be mounted in a detachable way. The vertical structure may as well include some frame structures 104 which are arranged in an angled form in order to support the training equipment 100. For example the frame structures 104 may be arranged on four corners or sides of the training equipment in order to provide an improved stability. On top of the vertical structure or vertical tower structure 102 a platform 103 is detachably mounted having a manhole 105 through which the platform may be entered. The platform 103 may comprise a railing 106. The training equipment further comprises one, two or more ladders 107 which are detachably fixed to the vertical structure and to the ground plate so that the platform can be entered by a person. Additionally a derrick or cantilever 108 may be arranged on the platform which may be used as a mock up structure for simulating rescue situations including roping. Additionally, some dimensions are stated in FIG. 1. In particular, the height from the ground plate 101 to the platform 103 may be about 10,050 mm, the height from the ground to the top of the railing may be about 11,674 mm, while the height from the ground plate to the top of the derrick may be about 12,295 mm. Additionally, some ropes may be fixed to the training equipment.

FIG. 2 schematically shows another height rescue safety training equipment 200 or setup comprising ladders and at least one wire. In particular, the training equipment comprises a base plate 201, a vertical frame structure or vertical tower structure 202 arranged on the base plate 201 having a beam or cantilever 208 on the upper end so that a wire 209 can be fixed to the frame structure by fixing it to the cantilever. For stability reasons an angled frame structure 204 may be fixed to the vertical frame structure having an angle between 20 and 80°, in particular 60°, with respect to the base plate. Furthermore, the equipment 200 comprises a ladder 207 is mounted to the vertical frame structure 202. An additional platform 210 may be mounted to the vertical frame structure so that it projects from the vertical frame structure 202 in an angle about 90°. The additional platform may have a length of about 400 mm.

It should be stressed that all described and additional components of the training equipments 100 or 200 are fixed to each other in a detachable way or manner, i.e. in a way that allows to demount the training equipment for transport.

FIG. 3 shows schematically a front view of the equipment 200 of FIG. 2 and including some information concerning the respective dimensions. In particular, FIG. 3 shows the base plate 201, which includes some base legs 312 which may have a height of about 70 mm. Additionally, to the visible components of FIG. 2 a platform 203 is depicted in FIG. 3 having a handling 206. Moreover a further wire 311 is visible in FIG. 3. The two wires 209 and 311 may be different, e.g. one may be an ICM wire while the other one may be an USA wire. Some eyes or anchor points 313 may be fixed to the platform 203 and the additional platform 210. Additionally, some fixation means 314 are shown in FIG. 3 which can be used to mount the base plate 201 onto a ground plate or fundament.

Summarizing FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 schematically depict mobile training towers which may be used for rescue training for wind turbines. Several rescue situations can be simulated by using these towers without the need of use an actual wind turbine.

The simulation situations may include:

-   -   Basic Height Rescue—Zone 1     -   harness and PPE course     -   intro evacuation equipment     -   intro basic height rescue equipment—using anchor points     -   rescue training—test     -   practice—using harness and PPE     -   evacuation one person using the hatch     -   evacuation two persons using the hatch     -   practice—rescue situations inside tower     -   practice—rescue situations outside tower     -   Advanced Rescue—Zone 2-6     -   several rescue situations     -   rescue outside the nacelle—casualty hanging outside in PPE     -   rescue and evacuation through evacuation hatch on spine board     -   rescue and evacuation through evacuation hatch in marine         stretcher     -   rescue of casualty hanging in his PPE or fall arrester outside         tower     -   anchor points—using pulleysys., spine board and marine stretcher     -   anchor points—using pulleysys., spine board and marine stretcher     -   rescue practice—basement/cellar zone 4 and 5     -   rescue practice—blades 2.3 and 3.6—zone 6     -   rescue inside tower—zone 1

Train the Trainer

-   -   all kinds of rescue situations—zone 1-6     -   basic height rescue     -   advanced rescue     -   test of the trainers     -   Rope Access     -   all kinds of rope access setups     -   practice and test in rope access

Summarizing a rescue training equipment according to an exemplary aspect may solve the object of enabling a simple and efficient way to train of concerning with respect to rescue processes in a wind turbine. In particular, this object may be solved by a mobile rescue training equipment, for simulating rescue from a wind turbine, comprising a mock-up tower or structure with one or more means forgetting access to one or more platforms of the tower or structure and one or more means for supporting the tower or structure on the ground. In particular, it should be noted that all the above mentioned elements, means or components in each embodiment may be attached in a detachable way ensuring that the mock-up tower or structure could be demounted and put in one or more standard containers ready for transportation to another training site.

Finally, it should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather then limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word “comprising” and “comprises”, and the like, does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or the specification as a whole. The singular reference of an element does not exclude the plural reference of such elements and vice-versa. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

100 Rescue safety training equipment

101 Ground or base plate

102 Vertical frame structure

103 Platform

104 Angled frame structure

105 Manhole

106 Handling

107 Ladder

108 Derrick

200 Rescue safety training equipment

201 Ground or base plate

202 Vertical frame structure

203 Platform

204 Angled frame structure

206 Handling

207 Ladder

208 Derrick

209 Wire

210 Additional Platform

311 Wire

312 Leg

313 Eye 

1.-15. (canceled)
 16. A rescue training equipment, comprising: a mock up structure comprising at least one platform, and a base structure adapted to be detachably attached to a basement on ground.
 17. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, further comprising: an element adapted for getting access to the at least one platform.
 18. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, wherein the at least one platform comprises an access hole.
 19. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, wherein the mock ups structure comprises a vertical tower structure.
 20. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, further comprising: at least one angled frame structure detachable fixable to the mock up structure.
 21. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, further comprising a ladder which is attachable to the mock up structure.
 22. The rescue training equipment according to claim 21, further comprising: safety wires which are attachable to the ladder.
 23. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, wherein the at least one platform is adapted such that it is suitable to simulate a nacelle of a wind turbine.
 24. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, wherein the mock up structure comprises two ladders and a wire vertical system, and wherein the two ladders are arranged to provide access to the at least one platform.
 25. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, wherein the mock up structure comprises two ladders and a wire vertical system, and wherein the wire vertical system is arranged to provide access to the at least one platform.
 26. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, further comprising: at least one anchor point fixed to the mock up structure.
 27. The rescue training equipment according to claim 16, wherein the base structure comprises a base platform, and wherein the mock ups structure is detachable connectable to the base platform.
 28. The rescue training equipment according to claim 27, further comprising: two ladders which are detachable connected to the base platform, and wherein the two ladders are further detachable connected to the at least one platform.
 29. The rescue training equipment according to claim 27, wherein the base platform comprises a door plate.
 30. The rescue training equipment according to claim 28, wherein the base platform comprises a door plate
 31. The rescue training equipment according to claim 28, further comprising: safety wires which are detachable mounted along at least one of the two ladders.
 32. The rescue training equipment according to claim 28, further comprising: at least one anchor point which are build on the mock up structure. 